[meteorite-list] NYT Addendum

[Adam Hupe]

Here is another piece of negative press where Dr. Ralph Harvey comments about 
the legality of meteorites. If you search the Google news archives, you will see 
that he is very familiar with the press and seems to bask in it.  It is too bad 
that he doesn't focus more on the Antarctic program instead of commenting on 
laws he knows nothing about. I have met several researches that go on these 
Antarctic trips that do not share his views .  Most are sample oriented 
scientists and could care less where they were found.  Many of these same 
researchers have studied meteorites from Northwest Africa and have type 
specimens in their institutional collections.

The Antarctic program has been very successful so I do not see the need to 
downgrade meteorites found elsewhere unless the influx coming from the private 
sector somehow endangers the program.  I do not think this negative press will 
help the cause and demonstrates a lack of collaboration that is needed for 
long-term success.  Most are happy with the Antarctic program so why make 
enemies in the private sector that funds these expeditions? 


Tax payers may soon ask why should we continue such a program since the head of 
it is perceived as putting out too much negative effort attacking others when he 
should be focused on science and logistics. 


Here is the link if anybody cares:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/1324361.stm



I think it is time for me to start concentrating on more positive aspects and 
accept that the damage has already been done.

Best Regards,

Adam